When most people think of midwestern states, they probably think of cold weather, unique accents, lakes and beautiful scenery. But unfortunately, Indiana is a predominantly conservative state, so it should be no surprise that, in 2023, it is one of the only six states where Kratom is illegal.

• What is Kratom?
• Laws and legislation of Kratom in Indiana
• Where can I buy Kratom in Indiana?
• Kratom advocacy in Indiana

What is Kratom?

The use of Kratom has increased since last decade for its medicinal and recreational benefits. The controversy with Kratom is mainly related to its potentially powerful effects. The scientific information on Kratom effects is the limited but careful use of Kratom, and the preventive measures can ensure you have a good experience with the various strains.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth., of the Rubiaceae family) is a 4–50 foot high tropical tree indigenous to areas in Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and New Guinea. Traditionally, in certain regions of Southeast Asia, the chopped fresh or dried leaves of the tree are chewed or made into tea by local manual laborers to combat fatigue and improve work productivity.

You may wonder, ‘what is a Kratom high like? It has dose-dependent stimulant and opiate-like effects. In addition to being used for an energy boost and some mild pain relief, some anecdotal evidence suggests that it may help manage withdrawal symptoms associated with opiate addiction.

In an online survey of 6,150 Kratom consumers by Pain News Network and the American Kratom Association, nine out of ten said the herb was a “very effective” treatment for pain, depression, anxiety, insomnia, opioid addiction and alcoholism. Less than one percent said it did not help. So then, why is Kratom illegal in Indiana?

Laws and legislation of Kratom in Indiana

Kratom has not been legal in Indiana since 2014 when Senate Bill 0305 was passed, classifying Kratom as a Schedule I Controlled Substance. In addition, it incorrectly identified Kratom as a synthetic drug. Then in 2018, legislators amended the bill. Kratom’s classification changed to a Schedule I hallucinogenic substance. Both classifications came out of a lack of research and education. The American Kratom Association (AKA) and other advocates like the Kratom Trade Association continue to work to overturn the bill and legalize Kratom in Indiana.

There is no pending legislation for making these changes. However, the AKA is working on getting all states, including Indiana, to pass the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (see below).

Where can I buy Kratom in Indiana?

Since Kratom is currently illegal in Indiana, any attempt to purchase, possess or distribute it could result in up to 2.5 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Also, if you try to buy Kratom online, your purchase will not go through, as it cannot be mailed to a state where it is illegal.

Kratom advocacy in Indiana

The American Kratom Association (AKA) is a non-profit advocacy group established in 2014, committed to preserving and protecting the freedom of Kratom or Mitragyna Speciosa. Also, it advocates for regulation to ensure Kratom quality and also for research on the benefits of Kratom. The AKA continues to work tirelessly to have Kratom legal in every state. You can help in that effort by joining the AKA as a “protector” of Kratom. You’ll receive notification of any laws changes and advocacy needed. Join the email list here.

Working in concert with the AKA, the Botanical Education Alliance also dedicates itself to educating consumers, lawmakers, law enforcement, and the media about safe and therapeutic natural supplements, including Kratom. Its mission is to increase understanding to influence public policy and protect natural supplements.

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act is under consideration in more than 20 states. As of 2022, the KPCA has passed in the following states: Utah, Georgia, Arizona, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Hopefully, Indiana will soon be next! To see if Kratom is currently legal in your state, please check out this interactive Kratom legality map.